Cougars outclass San Diego

Brock Zylstra dropped in five three-pointers, and a host of Cougars dominated the glass as BYU outpaced San Diego 82-63 on Monday night in America's Finest City.

The West Coast Conference's leading three-point shooter was 5-8 on the night to lead all scorers with 17 points, as BYU moved to 5-1 in conference play to keep pace with Gonzaga and Saint Mary's. "Brockzylla" teamed up with Matt Carlino and Charles Abouo to power BYU's offense.

The strong guard/wing play was key for BYU, as the Cougars' usually indomitable post duo of Brandon Davies and Noah Hartsock combined to go 5-21 on the night. A game after combining for 44 points, the two had just 19.

But with San Diego shooting 40% from the field, BYU made sure the staff at Jenny Craig Pavilion wouldn't have to worry about cleaning the glass after the game. With Davies leading the way with 12 rebounds, Zylstra, Abouo, and Carlino all added 7 rebounds of their own, with Nate Austin adding 5 rebounds in just 10 minutes of play -- all giving BYU a 46-28 edge on the boards. Abouo's solid night ended with 14 points and 7 assists added to the 7 rebounds.

It was what is becoming typical of most of BYU's wins this season, where both teams would trade some back and forth until at or near halftime, and then BYU pulls away. With a 27-25 lead, BYU outscored the Toreros 10-4 in the final four minutes of the first half, closed out with a Zylstra three with three seconds left.

It wasn't all roses for BYU, as Stephen Rogers left the game after 5 minutes on the court with a hurt knee. It is unclear if it was simply due to pain or discomfort as he returns from surgery, or if he has reinjured it.

Dennis Kramer, despite missing several good looks at the rim, led San Diego with 15 points and 4 blocks. The loss moves USD to 1-4 in the WCC and 6-11 overall.

The 16-4 Cougars prepare to host Loyola Marymount (10-8, 3-2 WCC) on Thursday.

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